Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim has stated that the new 100-bed hospital being developed in Vilimale’ will cater to the needs of the area’s growing population as well as alleviate pressure on the country’s over-burdened healthcare system. He made the remark while speaking on a Public Service Media (PSM) programme.
Outlining details on the government’s policies to strengthen the Maldives’ healthcare system, the Minister said Vilimale’s 100-bed hospital project is a promising project which will significantly reduce strain on the main government hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). The Minister further noted that the hospital will serve as a key healthcare facility for the areas linked to the Thilamale’ Bridge, currently under development, particularly Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu.
“The President’s decision was to establish a 100-bed hospital in Vilimale’. Once the bridge is connected, the Vilimale’ Hospital will make healthcare services more accessible for those settling in Gulhifalhu and other areas under development. Reducing the strain on IGMH will bring added ease to the public,” he stated.
The 100-bed Vilimale’ Hospital project was arranged during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to China, and is funded through a grant assistance from the Chinese government. The government aims to complete the hospital project and make it operational within two years.
The existing hospital in Vilimale’ only has five emergency beds and three consultation rooms. In many situations, many of the island’s 15,000-residents still seek treatment in Male’.
The Minister also provided information on other planned hospital projects, including a cancer hospital, a specialised hospital dedicated for children and mothers and a thalassemia hospital. All these projects are in various stages of planning and practical work is expected to commence within the year, he revealed.
The government believes the development of clinics and the Vilimale’ hospital in the Male’ area would bring a revolutionary change to the Maldives’ healthcare system. These facilities will enable a system where patients can consult doctors on a triage basis to be established, which will in turn decrease queues at hospitals and improve patient care, the government said.